The President of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC), Hadi Al-Bahra, along with a member of the political committee, Jihad Marie, convened with Alessio Cappellani, Head of the Middle East Division of Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan in the EU European External Action Service, and Dan Stanescu, the Head of the European Union delegation to Syria, along with their accompanying delegation. The meeting took place yesterday in Istanbul, Turkey.
During the discussions, both sides delved into the latest developments in Syria, with a particular focus on the impasse in the UN-sponsored political process in Geneva. They emphasized the imperative to revitalize the process, rid it of obstructionist tactics employed by the Assad regime, and explore avenues to bolster the efforts of the UN Special Envoy to Syria. There was also a call for the strict implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions on Syria, particularly Resolution 2254 (2015).
Mr. Cappellani reaffirmed the European Union’s unwavering stance on Syria, underlining that substantial and irreversible progress in the political process, aligned with UN Resolution 2254 (2015), remains the sole pathway to lifting sanctions and facilitating reconstruction efforts and return of refugees. He indicated that there will be no reduction in humanitarian support from the European Union to Syrians this year. The SOC emphasized the need to reorient aid to enhance the productive capacities of local communities instead of relying solely on food assistance.
The European Union delegation outlined its efforts to ensure the success of the upcoming Brussels Donors Conference for Syria, with a distinct focus this year on intra-Syrian dialogue. They extended an invitation to the Syrian Negotiations Commission to participate.
President Al-Bahra shed light on the plight of Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons, emphasizing the necessity for effective mechanisms to halt the systematic violations they endure, especially in Lebanon, where the European Union’s role is crucial.
Both sides discussed the importance of bolstering educational initiatives in northwest Syria, particularly in universities, recognizing degrees, fostering joint academic programs, and securing scholarships for refugees and displaced persons in EU countries.
Al-Bahra emphasized the significance of a developmental plan for northern Syria to enhance living standards, generate employment opportunities, facilitate trade for local industrialists and farmers, and provide technical support to the Syrian Interim Government. He emphasized the crucial role of sustainable economic advancement in achieving lasting security and stability in northern Syria.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
